From The Crease To The Country

STORY RENEE ALKASS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

As seen in the Barrie Summer 2026 Issue.

A perfect day for the Beleskeys is measured in simple pleasures: kids playing outside, dinner grilling on the barbecue, logs crackling on the fire and get-togethers with family and friends. Their 100-acre property in Simcoe County is an ideal backdrop for a quiet life. Just last year, they officially wrapped on the build of their custom farmhouse with A.N.T. Homes, and finally, they’ve settled into the joys of life at home.

For retired NHL player Matt Beleskey and his wife Victoria, building custom was always part of the plan. Matt played for the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers, spending most of his youth and adulthood on the move.

When it was time to return to their Ontario roots, they sought a secluded property immersed in nature. The Beleskeys did their homework on custom builders in the area and decided A.N.T. Homes was the right fit. The company, founded by Wayne Ezekiel and now run by his son Norm Ezekiel, is celebrating 30 years in business. As a luxury, award-winning home builder in Simcoe County, the A.N.T. team creates innovative, high-quality designs and delivers on promises to their clients. “When we tell a client their move-in date, we hit it every time,” says Norm.

“With A.N.T., everything was up front,” explains Matt. “Every dollar I spent was shown to me and shown why. One of the best things was how fluid and transparent they were with the building process.”

“It ended up feeling like we were doing a fun, big project with friends who cared about it as much as we did,” adds Victoria. “There was no stress at all.”

The build started in 2024 and officially wrapped eight months later. The fast turnaround is standard for A.N.T. builds. “It’s because of our scheduling and professionalism up front,” says Norm, who also explains the company’s nine-step home building plan that discovers clients’ wants and needs while also prioritizing land research. “We really take our time with the planning process,” he adds.

When the Beleskey design began, A.N.T. was meticulous in creating a structure that aligned with the couple’s must-haves, including creating an off-grid-style home. “I always fantasized about the idea of a home being self-sufficient,” says Matt. As a result, A.N.T. created a unique wood boiler heat system and introduced a well to offer an independent water supply. “The house is now extremely energy efficient,” adds Norm.

Down a winding driveway, the farmhouse reveals itself with a black exterior that blends into the landscape. The siding has a wood appearance, but it’s uniquely crafted from concrete. “This will never fade,” says Matt. “For how much wind, sand and dirt we get out here, it still looks brand new.”

The 1,500 sq. ft. covered timber porch wraps around the home, giving Matt and Victoria the perfect spot to enjoy coffee in the mornings or watch their kids, Ivy and Hunter, as they play on the jungle gym or ride their bikes.

Stepping inside, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse comes to life with natural materials. “We wanted to feel like we were part of the elements,” says Victoria. A matrix of wood, stone, metal, linen and leather stretches across the entire home, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living.

Large picture windows frame the living room and feature no trim for a minimalist feel. Views of the surrounding acreage serve as window art. “I wanted to see trees wherever I looked,” says Victoria.

A grand, wood-burning fireplace stretches to the ceiling in the centre of the living room and offers a strong stone focal point. “When I think of a house, I always centre it around a fireplace,” says Matt. “You can really enjoy a fire in all seasons.”

The kitchen carries a unified natural palette with moody touches. The Beleskeys credit the A.N.T. design team for making the process of picking finishes and materials seamless. Absolute Cabinets crafted the oak cabinetry and created integrated panels to cover all the appliance faces, supplied by TA Appliances & Barbecues. Leathered granite countertops extend to the backsplash, then cascade into a waterfall over the island. Two structural timber beams, supplied by Moonstone Timber Frame, act as anchor points. Sleek black fixtures from EMCO Corporation are the perfect finishing touch.

“I wanted everything to have a spot,” says Victoria, who loves the organization in her new kitchen. She especially loves her walk-in pantry. “The kids love it, too. It’s their favourite hiding spot when their friends come over,” she says.

An oversize wood dining table sits in the centre of the great room, offering an ideal place for family and friends to gather. “In my family, we always had big gatherings growing up,” says Matt. “And during my travels playing hockey for different teams, it was always the best to sit down and eat together.” It’s why hosting comes naturally to the Beleskeys and will remain something the family enjoys.

The primary suite, tucked around the corner from the kitchen, is the couple’s private retreat. A large picture window sits opposite the bed so the couple can wake each day to the sights of nature. “It really is peaceful,” says Matt.

The sleek hardwood flooring and unique tile in the bathrooms and laundry room were purchased at Irvine Floor & Home. The home’s plumbing needs were expertly handled by Plumbtech Plumbing Inc. 

With the build now complete, the Beleskeys couldn’t be happier with all the hard work accomplished by Norm and the A.N.T. team. “I wouldn’t change anything,” says Victoria.

“Whenever we’re sitting on the porch and the sun is going down, I know it was all worth it,” adds Matt. “It really is perfect for us here.” OH